Senior Cost Estimator

HeatherDaniel International; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HeatherDaniel International seeks a Senior Estimator on the East Coast to develop detailed material, labor, and time estimates for complex public and private sector projects. The role bridges conceptual design and construction documents, with mentorship from senior leadership.

The ideal candidate holds a related bachelor’s degree and has proven estimating experience in architectural or project-control settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is required.
• Proven estimating experience in architectural/engineering or project controls environments.
• Strong MS Excel and cost data analysis capabilities.
• Familiarity with digital takeoff and cost databases is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed material, labor, and time estimates across design phases.
• Track costs against baselines and market shifts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with design teams, vendors, and clients to refine budgets.
• Identify risks by collecting data from subcontractors and historical databases.

Skills

MS Excel

Takeoff software

Cost databases

Cost analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Quantitative modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

e-Takeoff

MII

Sage Estimating

Job description

A premier, national cost management and project controls consultancy is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Estimator to join its East Coast operations. This mid-level, hybrid position focuses on preparing precise material, labor, and pre-bid cost estimates across complex public and private sector architectural and engineering design projects. The role serves as a key bridge between conceptual design and executable construction documents, offering direct mentorship from senior project leadership.

Core Responsibilities

• Estimate Development: Analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project documentation to compile detailed material, labor, and time estimates across various design phases.
• Cost Tracking & Analysis: Evaluate cost-effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle by tracking baseline estimates against actual performance data and active market shifts.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with design teams, specialized trade consultants, vendors, and clients to formulate estimates, resolve scope gaps, and refine project budgets.
• Problem Identification & Resolution: Proactively collect cost data from external sub-contractor networks and internal historical databases to isolate project risks early.

Candidate Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: Demonstrated professional estimating experience within architectural, engineering, or project control environments (including formal internship or associate-level roles).
• Software Competency: Practical familiarity or working knowledge of digital takeoff and cost database software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, e-Takeoff, MII, Sage Estimating, or equivalent tools).
• Technical Skills: High proficiency in MS Excel for multi-variable data analysis, quantitative modeling, and reporting.
• Target Sourcing Parameters: Launch direct outreach across regional cost consulting firms, owner's representative practices, and mid-sized general contractors specializing in public sector building projects.
• Candidate Qualification: Filter for candidates possessing strong quantitative takeoff abilities and experience supporting multi-disciplinary design phases (Conceptual through Construction Documents).
• Pipeline Action: Submit a qualified shortlist of vetted candidates directly to decision-makers within 48 hours to maintain immediate recruitment momentum.